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The King's Watch #7
The Seventh Star
Mina’s Bollywood extravaganza is a huge hit – especially when a surprise celebrity makes a dramatic entrance.
While everyone queues for a selfie, Conrad is wondering why a Fae Princess has descended on him.
It turns out she has a problem, and her problem is about to become Conrad’s problem: amidst the dark Satanic mills of Lancashire, something is attacking the Fae.
Conrad has to leave his comfort zone in Clerkswell and break in another new partner. It won’t be long before he is praying for strength from Kratu, the Seventh Star.
Treat yourself to a copy now and find out the truth about Fairies, Gnomes and W*r*e*w*lv*s…
While everyone queues for a selfie, Conrad is wondering why a Fae Princess has descended on him.
It turns out she has a problem, and her problem is about to become Conrad’s problem: amidst the dark Satanic mills of Lancashire, something is attacking the Fae.
Conrad has to leave his comfort zone in Clerkswell and break in another new partner. It won’t be long before he is praying for strength from Kratu, the Seventh Star.
Treat yourself to a copy now and find out the truth about Fairies, Gnomes and W*r*e*w*lv*s…
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2020
294 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Mark Hayden
27 books284 followersAuthor also writes under Ruth Ward
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.
Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.
He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.
His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 1, 2020
Darker in tone.
Well this well it gets darker with regard the storyline. The world building just gets better as the story goes along.
Well this well it gets darker with regard the storyline. The world building just gets better as the story goes along.
May 3, 2020
Four and a half stars.
How to guarantee success for your Bollywood-themed charity fund-raiser? Have the Fae Princess Birkdale (that the mundane world see as a famous WAG, model and Instagram star, Tara Doyle) drop uninvited and stay for selfies. But Tara Doyle has an ulterior motive (when don't the Fae have an ulterior motive, or ten?). One of her people was assassinated and she wants Conrad, in his capacity as Watch Captain at Large, to investigate to prevent an 'orgy of retaliation'.
Conrad's investigation leads him to Canal Street in Manchester, a drag queen called Fae Klass, dwarves, gnomes, a new job title and something that is most definitely not werew*lv*s, well probably not. And just to make things super awkward Conrad has a new partner, Karina from the Forest of Arden, and the ensuing murder investigation leads to him seeking the assistance of (drum roll please) Tom Morton! OMG, fan-girl squee, mortal enemies join together to investigate a crime. Tom doesn't know about the supernatural world and Conrad has to keep it a secret, pretty difficult when there are 'not' werew*lv*s running around!
I just loved this, as much as the others, I love the character development of everyone, especially Mina who rocks being an accountant with attitude, the plot is fast and furious and I can't wait for the next book.
How to guarantee success for your Bollywood-themed charity fund-raiser? Have the Fae Princess Birkdale (that the mundane world see as a famous WAG, model and Instagram star, Tara Doyle) drop uninvited and stay for selfies. But Tara Doyle has an ulterior motive (when don't the Fae have an ulterior motive, or ten?). One of her people was assassinated and she wants Conrad, in his capacity as Watch Captain at Large, to investigate to prevent an 'orgy of retaliation'.
Conrad's investigation leads him to Canal Street in Manchester, a drag queen called Fae Klass, dwarves, gnomes, a new job title and something that is most definitely not werew*lv*s, well probably not. And just to make things super awkward Conrad has a new partner, Karina from the Forest of Arden, and the ensuing murder investigation leads to him seeking the assistance of (drum roll please) Tom Morton! OMG, fan-girl squee, mortal enemies join together to investigate a crime. Tom doesn't know about the supernatural world and Conrad has to keep it a secret, pretty difficult when there are 'not' werew*lv*s running around!
I just loved this, as much as the others, I love the character development of everyone, especially Mina who rocks being an accountant with attitude, the plot is fast and furious and I can't wait for the next book.
May 9, 2020
This series consists of the main novels (with numbers in the titles, appreciated for keeping track!) and some supporting short stories. The short stories are actually part of the main narrative and you really have to read them to understand many of the references in the main novels. This is a bit of a drawback, because sometimes the short stories occur within the middle of the main narrative of the novel, so you are left quite lost for part of the story. For this book, it starts out quite confusing because it picks up from a short story ('French Leave') that you must have read for the beginning to make sense. Unfortunately that short story is not available on Amazon yet, so you just have to get on with it and there are enough clues within the text to make sense. However it makes me feel like the author doesn't care about his reader experience, so that was an immediate minus for this book. If you have been following this series, I would recommend waiting to read this one until 'French Leave' is out and you can read that first.
I do enjoy this series overall. The story is great, the worldbuilding is very good, and it has a well thought out system of magic and integration in to the modern world. Some of the characters are very enjoyable (Vicky!) but others range between pretty one dimensional to absolutely horrible (Mina). This book moves the story along, Conrad keeps getting more powers and gadgets as the series progresses (a la Anita Blake) and somehow seems to get everyone to do his bidding, including his boss Hannah. On the criticism side, there is a bit too much of the man directing all of the women around him because he knows better (again, including his boss!). And there is far too much Mina and Scout. Mina appears to not have any job (or not to be bothered doing her job really) except for tagging after Conrad the whole time while he is supposed to be working (can you tell I really dislike this character?) and the dog is just annoying (why is he ALWAYS there?)
Another very enjoyable adventure overall, but 4 stars due to the confusion at the start which forces you to buy another book which isn't even available yet.
I do enjoy this series overall. The story is great, the worldbuilding is very good, and it has a well thought out system of magic and integration in to the modern world. Some of the characters are very enjoyable (Vicky!) but others range between pretty one dimensional to absolutely horrible (Mina). This book moves the story along, Conrad keeps getting more powers and gadgets as the series progresses (a la Anita Blake) and somehow seems to get everyone to do his bidding, including his boss Hannah. On the criticism side, there is a bit too much of the man directing all of the women around him because he knows better (again, including his boss!). And there is far too much Mina and Scout. Mina appears to not have any job (or not to be bothered doing her job really) except for tagging after Conrad the whole time while he is supposed to be working (can you tell I really dislike this character?) and the dog is just annoying (why is he ALWAYS there?)
Another very enjoyable adventure overall, but 4 stars due to the confusion at the start which forces you to buy another book which isn't even available yet.
May 2, 2020
Over too soon
Another excellent installment, although I'd advise reading the earlier books first - it was a while since I had done that and I could have used a primer to remember some of the characters, still really enjoyed it though. Can't wait for the next one
Another excellent installment, although I'd advise reading the earlier books first - it was a while since I had done that and I could have used a primer to remember some of the characters, still really enjoyed it though. Can't wait for the next one
May 23, 2020
Best of the series so far!
Wow that was a rollercoaster ride from start to end! This book felt faster paced than the previous one and really bought the various parts of the Kings Watch world together brilliantly. I'm usually bored of a series by now but I cant wait for book 8!
Wow that was a rollercoaster ride from start to end! This book felt faster paced than the previous one and really bought the various parts of the Kings Watch world together brilliantly. I'm usually bored of a series by now but I cant wait for book 8!
April 5, 2022
The event of the year may be the Bollywood extravaganza hosted at Elvenham. The King's Watch is well represented...as it should be as it was the home of Watch Captain Conrad Clarke and his fiancée Mina Desai. It was the "unexpected" visitor that turned the celebration from a simple party into the next mission for Clarke and company.
The death of any Fae is remarkable, but that death may mean the beginning of a war...a war that may touch the lives of everyone that Conrad holds dear. And, with new missions comes new responsibilities. The unexpected promotion is almost the death of Clarke, and it soon drops him into the middle of a political nightmare. The one plus side is that Conrad and Mina are reunited with a certain Deputy Chief Inspector that will have his life changed unexpectedly and forever.
This series of books has quickly become my favorite ongoing series in world that combines, the Supernatural, Magyck, Mythological beings, Military Maneuvers, and the best of Urban Fantasy. Author Mark Hayden continues to expand on his amazingly deep and robust world of the King's Watch. His ever-expanding coterie of characters, rather than confusing the many story threads, adds flavors and shadings that only enhance Hayden's storytelling and universe. Each new entry in the series becomes a new treasure and a new favorite read.
Enhancing the main storyline are the multiple short stories that Hayden and sometimes co-contributor Lucy Campbell drop that interweave directly with each story. Tales From the King's Watch collect the first 4 which are also available in ebook format with the next four soon to be collected in a new volume that will move through the next four of the main books in the series.
Seven books down...many more to come...
The death of any Fae is remarkable, but that death may mean the beginning of a war...a war that may touch the lives of everyone that Conrad holds dear. And, with new missions comes new responsibilities. The unexpected promotion is almost the death of Clarke, and it soon drops him into the middle of a political nightmare. The one plus side is that Conrad and Mina are reunited with a certain Deputy Chief Inspector that will have his life changed unexpectedly and forever.
This series of books has quickly become my favorite ongoing series in world that combines, the Supernatural, Magyck, Mythological beings, Military Maneuvers, and the best of Urban Fantasy. Author Mark Hayden continues to expand on his amazingly deep and robust world of the King's Watch. His ever-expanding coterie of characters, rather than confusing the many story threads, adds flavors and shadings that only enhance Hayden's storytelling and universe. Each new entry in the series becomes a new treasure and a new favorite read.
Enhancing the main storyline are the multiple short stories that Hayden and sometimes co-contributor Lucy Campbell drop that interweave directly with each story. Tales From the King's Watch collect the first 4 which are also available in ebook format with the next four soon to be collected in a new volume that will move through the next four of the main books in the series.
Seven books down...many more to come...
August 27, 2021
In The Seventh Star Conrad finds himself tasked with solving the murder of one of The Fae to avoid a total war between Fae, Gnomes and risk the normal humans becoming involved too. In order to complete his investigation he is forced to team up with one of the detectives who investigated him back when he didn't know he was a mage.
There are lots of plot twists to this installment; but it is a fitting next chapter to the Kings Watch series and I am eager to read the next volume.
There are lots of plot twists to this installment; but it is a fitting next chapter to the Kings Watch series and I am eager to read the next volume.
May 24, 2023
2023 bk 181. The Fae and Gnomes - someone is trying to anger both sides as a Fae Count is murdered and body disappeared, then a Gnomish lawyer and adviser to a First is horribly murdered by a pack of dogs?. It is a good thing that Conrad has a warrant card from Ross as he is drawn into the police investigation of the crimes - oh and he is now the Deputy and Guardian of the North (and that whole oathtaking left me shaking in my boots). Hayden uses this book to explain more of Gnomish politics and the creation of First Caves. On the Fae side we learn that they keep w*r*wolves in this plane as their subject. By the end of the book, Tom, his fiancee Lucy, and partner Elaine are entangled more in the world of Magick and Conrad and Mina begin to heal bridges with them.
September 4, 2023
Title: Audiobook Review - "The Seventh Star (The King's Watch, #7)" by Mark Hayden
Rating: 2/5
"The Seventh Star (The King's Watch, #7)" by Mark Hayden, narrated by Ciaran Saward, presents a mixed audiobook experience. While the narration by Ciaran Saward is commendable, the story itself fails to captivate, resulting in a lackluster listening experience. With a rating of 2 out of 5, this book struggles to maintain engagement and enthusiasm.
Ciaran Saward's narration is a highlight of the audiobook, with his skillful delivery enhancing the characters and bringing life to the narrative. However, the strength of the narration cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings of the story.
"The Seventh Star" falls short in terms of its plot and storytelling. The narrative fails to grip the listener's attention and lacks the necessary elements to keep the story engaging. A sense of detachment from the plot prevents the listener from becoming fully invested in the characters and their journey.
The decision to continue listening becomes a struggle as the story fails to provide the excitement and intrigue that should be expected from a book of this genre. While the narration contributes positively to the experience, the lackluster storyline creates a barrier to a fully enjoyable listening experience.
In conclusion, "The Seventh Star (The King's Watch, #7)" showcases the importance of both narration and storytelling in an audiobook. While Ciaran Saward's narration is praiseworthy, the lack of an engaging and captivating story hinders the overall experience. With a rating of 2 out of 5, this audiobook may not meet the expectations of listeners seeking a compelling and immersive narrative.
Rating: 2/5
"The Seventh Star (The King's Watch, #7)" by Mark Hayden, narrated by Ciaran Saward, presents a mixed audiobook experience. While the narration by Ciaran Saward is commendable, the story itself fails to captivate, resulting in a lackluster listening experience. With a rating of 2 out of 5, this book struggles to maintain engagement and enthusiasm.
Ciaran Saward's narration is a highlight of the audiobook, with his skillful delivery enhancing the characters and bringing life to the narrative. However, the strength of the narration cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings of the story.
"The Seventh Star" falls short in terms of its plot and storytelling. The narrative fails to grip the listener's attention and lacks the necessary elements to keep the story engaging. A sense of detachment from the plot prevents the listener from becoming fully invested in the characters and their journey.
The decision to continue listening becomes a struggle as the story fails to provide the excitement and intrigue that should be expected from a book of this genre. While the narration contributes positively to the experience, the lackluster storyline creates a barrier to a fully enjoyable listening experience.
In conclusion, "The Seventh Star (The King's Watch, #7)" showcases the importance of both narration and storytelling in an audiobook. While Ciaran Saward's narration is praiseworthy, the lack of an engaging and captivating story hinders the overall experience. With a rating of 2 out of 5, this audiobook may not meet the expectations of listeners seeking a compelling and immersive narrative.
October 5, 2020
Best book yet, in this series
This book had a very different feel than the previous books. Conrad isn’t simply reacting to the world around him, but, rather, he is starting to show that he is a major player in the magickal world.
I am very curious to find out about what was going on with Cora, as well as what Conrad was planning when he wanted to put Elvenham on the magickal map. I don’t think that either was answered before things went in a very different direction.
I love how Hannah always has Conrad’s back, and yet, can also be his biggest challenge. And I can’t wait to see how the Watch is going to develop under their leadership. And how MI7 will be intertwined in the whole thing.
This book had a very different feel than the previous books. Conrad isn’t simply reacting to the world around him, but, rather, he is starting to show that he is a major player in the magickal world.
I am very curious to find out about what was going on with Cora, as well as what Conrad was planning when he wanted to put Elvenham on the magickal map. I don’t think that either was answered before things went in a very different direction.
I love how Hannah always has Conrad’s back, and yet, can also be his biggest challenge. And I can’t wait to see how the Watch is going to develop under their leadership. And how MI7 will be intertwined in the whole thing.
June 15, 2022
My Thoughts:
This series has always been crime-fiction-like from the start but marketed as urban fantasy. It is urban fantasy. But it is also sort-of crime fiction. A bit light on the crime fiction than it is on the urban fantasy. However, with this book, they've brought an actual police character, Sheriff Morton, into the crime fiction that it is actually now feels like a "police procedural". Now, how about that?!
I'm an escapist reader. I read to escape reality. So when a book shoves reality in my face, I am not very happy. The author dipped into some heavy duty moral dilemma in this book. Karina is just too real for me, not to mention, the punishment she got for doing the right thing. At that point in the book, I was ready to quit the series! Seriously!! Then there's the Mannwolf Queen of the Darkwood Pack that I grieved deeply for!! The author is shoving reality in the reader's face again... that life is not fair. And that is just the way life is. So I had half a mind that although this series is good, this might be the last book I will read even though I already have bought the next 3 books... because I am an escapist reader.
I have become a fast die-hard fan of Ciaran Saward's narration. I like his Scout bark and his Hedda/Francesca impersonation! Beautiful!
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 4
Cover art = 3
Pace = (12 hrs and 17 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 4
Cover art = 3
Pace = (12 hrs and 17 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries
May 12, 2022
Action Packed And Plenty Of Good Drama
Enjoyed this one a lot more than I did the previous one in the series. Book 6 seemed to derail a bit, but this one seemed to get back on track, and was closer what I had come to expect from the other books in the series.
There's a lot of characters to keep track of by now. Especially since some of these came out of book 6, with more added in this one, book 7. It's definitely a series you need to pay attention to, and the reference of characters Hayden added in the beginning helps.
I had a hard time debating between 3 and 4 stars, simply because of the end. It notches up quite a bit in speed, once everything begins to fall into place.
For me, it was almost too rushed, and too packed, in the last 3-5 % of the book. I had to actually stop and go back to re-read some of what was unfolding-especially with the introduction of even more new characters,and a whole new species to deal with.
I ended up giving it the 4, out of fairness to the overall content of the book. I'm also not too happy that some of the details are being left out, and referenced to in a whole different set of novellas related to some of the back stories.
Enjoyed this one a lot more than I did the previous one in the series. Book 6 seemed to derail a bit, but this one seemed to get back on track, and was closer what I had come to expect from the other books in the series.
There's a lot of characters to keep track of by now. Especially since some of these came out of book 6, with more added in this one, book 7. It's definitely a series you need to pay attention to, and the reference of characters Hayden added in the beginning helps.
I had a hard time debating between 3 and 4 stars, simply because of the end. It notches up quite a bit in speed, once everything begins to fall into place.
For me, it was almost too rushed, and too packed, in the last 3-5 % of the book. I had to actually stop and go back to re-read some of what was unfolding-especially with the introduction of even more new characters,and a whole new species to deal with.
I ended up giving it the 4, out of fairness to the overall content of the book. I'm also not too happy that some of the details are being left out, and referenced to in a whole different set of novellas related to some of the back stories.
September 11, 2020
I enjoyed this bit of fantasy as the saga of Conrad rolls on . If you are following the series then it’s gathering good pace and it’s left me waiting , anticipating more scrapes for Characters in the next one . It’s not serious literature , but it’s good story ,well crafted in terms of plots and movements and I find it relaxing and fun to read. As a person who lives in Penwortham PR1 , next to Middleforth even, its very amusing indeed. At times there are too many characters in the high action areas which makes the flow a little disjointed as who says what ,does what , etc to who is explained. Looking forward to another ASAP please !
January 16, 2023
well done! very well done!
Like potato crisps I have been devouring these books one after another. When I am done I will move on to the novellas and hope my brain can remember how they fit into the larger narrative. It’s a pity I didn’t learn about these books sooner. Alas, I would have purchased them all as real paper books and I could enjoy them as often as I would like.
In my revue of the last book I Complained about the large cast of characters and that I sometimes get confused by who what and where the character is. There is a large cast list at the once of the novel it’s relatively large digitally it is difficult to consult. Or I could be old. I’m not sure.
Like potato crisps I have been devouring these books one after another. When I am done I will move on to the novellas and hope my brain can remember how they fit into the larger narrative. It’s a pity I didn’t learn about these books sooner. Alas, I would have purchased them all as real paper books and I could enjoy them as often as I would like.
In my revue of the last book I Complained about the large cast of characters and that I sometimes get confused by who what and where the character is. There is a large cast list at the once of the novel it’s relatively large digitally it is difficult to consult. Or I could be old. I’m not sure.
June 5, 2024
Despite the glossary...
... difficult to keep up with the ebb and flow of characters and who or what they are and how they are aligned within the greater world... it's frustrating to have to keep referring to documents to keep them straight and breaks the rhythm of the story... it's a shame... but it's becoming less pleasurable to read at this point... unusually for me I'm even considering giving up... rarely do I quit a series... but I I'm not sure I could take on another flood of new characters at this point... we need Vicky back to explain what and who these things are...
... difficult to keep up with the ebb and flow of characters and who or what they are and how they are aligned within the greater world... it's frustrating to have to keep referring to documents to keep them straight and breaks the rhythm of the story... it's a shame... but it's becoming less pleasurable to read at this point... unusually for me I'm even considering giving up... rarely do I quit a series... but I I'm not sure I could take on another flood of new characters at this point... we need Vicky back to explain what and who these things are...
October 9, 2021
Brilliant as usual.
I finally decided to stop reading this at 04:30 this morning, one does need some sleep after all. Waking at 08:15 I thought just one chapter, it is now 10:45 and I have finished the book and about to download the next book and the novella. That should all be a good enough recommendation for the story of Conrad and his friends and allies of both human and other world contacts. Thoroughly recommend the whole series but you really must read them in order. Once again, well done Mr Hayden.
I finally decided to stop reading this at 04:30 this morning, one does need some sleep after all. Waking at 08:15 I thought just one chapter, it is now 10:45 and I have finished the book and about to download the next book and the novella. That should all be a good enough recommendation for the story of Conrad and his friends and allies of both human and other world contacts. Thoroughly recommend the whole series but you really must read them in order. Once again, well done Mr Hayden.
January 27, 2023
Slow confusing start but solid finish
Don't read this until you read the first section of french leave. Pro tip. The continuity is all jacked up. Really frustrated me. I can appreciate telling smaller stories but don't braid them together. Conrad continues to be behind the eight ball in this one, things keep going sideways until the end. Conrad's only edge throughout all of this is his operational know how, but it abandons him in this and the last book for a good portion. And don't get me started on Karina. Not my favorite but a good story once it got a run up.
Don't read this until you read the first section of french leave. Pro tip. The continuity is all jacked up. Really frustrated me. I can appreciate telling smaller stories but don't braid them together. Conrad continues to be behind the eight ball in this one, things keep going sideways until the end. Conrad's only edge throughout all of this is his operational know how, but it abandons him in this and the last book for a good portion. And don't get me started on Karina. Not my favorite but a good story once it got a run up.
May 19, 2023
so many characters
Not my favorite of the series. Even more characters that got thrown on top of old characters I don’t remember. I’m not thrilled with the turnover of characters previously enmeshed in the story line and are now barely mentioned. Vicky is all but gone, Saffron has a walkon part. Scout started out looking like he would be a main character , now he’s not even interesting. Not thrilled with the direction this is going. This book just felt different , the writing style was not the same and it’s wasn’t tied up very well.
Not my favorite of the series. Even more characters that got thrown on top of old characters I don’t remember. I’m not thrilled with the turnover of characters previously enmeshed in the story line and are now barely mentioned. Vicky is all but gone, Saffron has a walkon part. Scout started out looking like he would be a main character , now he’s not even interesting. Not thrilled with the direction this is going. This book just felt different , the writing style was not the same and it’s wasn’t tied up very well.
August 13, 2020
Digging more dirt
When I reviewed book 6 in this series I remarked that I was curious to see which parts of my personal past were visited this time. I few up inManchester, worked for the Crown three minutes walk away from Canal Street and was born in Farnworth, which also features... That aside the discontinued with engaging characters and some decent action scenes where next I wonder?
When I reviewed book 6 in this series I remarked that I was curious to see which parts of my personal past were visited this time. I few up inManchester, worked for the Crown three minutes walk away from Canal Street and was born in Farnworth, which also features... That aside the discontinued with engaging characters and some decent action scenes where next I wonder?
August 18, 2020
Continues to be an unusual take on the subject of the collision between "magick" and the mundane world. Hogwarts, it isn't.
Ben Aaronovich's "Rivers of London" has the same feel, in many ways: a rookie protagonist finding his way, a conflict of powers, a mix of races (fae, dwarves etc), politics, a nod to Newton.
This is less police procedural (though there is some of that) and more who dares wins, but it's an equally fresh approach.
Ben Aaronovich's "Rivers of London" has the same feel, in many ways: a rookie protagonist finding his way, a conflict of powers, a mix of races (fae, dwarves etc), politics, a nod to Newton.
This is less police procedural (though there is some of that) and more who dares wins, but it's an equally fresh approach.
October 31, 2020
Another good story about Conrad and his "chums". he is very adept at getting anyone and everyone on side. I was a little disappointed having got to the end thinking that was it but I am now setting out onto his next book or chapter, as I have described this series of books, so they can't be that bad. Well except for the little inconsistencies when it comes to describing the local Police Services which I find irritating, hey ho on with the next book.
August 30, 2021
Avid reader, slack reviewer
Over the last 8 or 9 days I've spent every spare minute reading books 1 thru 7 of the main series plus books 1 thru 3 of the related stories.
The series has grabbed me so much I've neglected writing even the briefest review of 3 or 4 of the books / stories.
To the author, please accept my apologies and at the same time my thanks for such a great read.
Over the last 8 or 9 days I've spent every spare minute reading books 1 thru 7 of the main series plus books 1 thru 3 of the related stories.
The series has grabbed me so much I've neglected writing even the briefest review of 3 or 4 of the books / stories.
To the author, please accept my apologies and at the same time my thanks for such a great read.
June 19, 2022
4 stars for the story
3 stars for the writing
I wonder what it would be like just picking up one of the books in the middle of the series and reading it. Would it even make sense? This is a heck of a good series, very enjoyable, but are any of the individual books able to stand on their own? Does it matter? Probably not.
I also wonder what the story would be like if it were a bit more literary.
3 stars for the writing
I wonder what it would be like just picking up one of the books in the middle of the series and reading it. Would it even make sense? This is a heck of a good series, very enjoyable, but are any of the individual books able to stand on their own? Does it matter? Probably not.
I also wonder what the story would be like if it were a bit more literary.
August 14, 2022
Another hit
Seventh in this series and I'm looking forward to the 8th. There are a few quibbles. I'm not so sure that Tom's character is consistent and Scout needs to grow up a bit. I'd like to see other magical animals (yes, ghost stags and mannwolves, but what about kelpies , garms and others? Are they mythic in this world? And if Odin is about, what about others? No Roman deities? a Naga but nothing more?
Seventh in this series and I'm looking forward to the 8th. There are a few quibbles. I'm not so sure that Tom's character is consistent and Scout needs to grow up a bit. I'd like to see other magical animals (yes, ghost stags and mannwolves, but what about kelpies , garms and others? Are they mythic in this world? And if Odin is about, what about others? No Roman deities? a Naga but nothing more?
February 17, 2024
It was a bit slower and not as interesting as previous books. I still liked it and as all ways, it introduced new characters. Probably the biggest surprise was Conrad becoming a new deputy constable and getting nearly killed by Nimue as well as Loyd starting a new clan. What annoys me a little, are all those references to other little stories as well as to books from another series. If that were left out, the books would get better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
3.5* I'm a big fan of this series about Conrad Clarke, drawn into the mysterious word of the King's Watch (an underground force keeping demons, bad witches etc in check) through an unexpected encounter with Odin (the Gods prove to be extremely capricious) but here, for the fist time, I wonder if Hayden is flagging - too much Mina and Bollywood and not enough King's watch for me (we miss you Vicky!). Got a few more books in the series, so we'll see if things pick up.
June 3, 2020
A Brilliant Escape
Not a usual reader of fantasy I fell upon these novels by mistake- Restrictions on being home have made me widen my scope for books and this series has been the ultimate escape! A well written narrative with odd yet strangely comforting protagonists x If you’re looking for an escape from all the worries we all face then read these.
Not a usual reader of fantasy I fell upon these novels by mistake- Restrictions on being home have made me widen my scope for books and this series has been the ultimate escape! A well written narrative with odd yet strangely comforting protagonists x If you’re looking for an escape from all the worries we all face then read these.
June 11, 2020
Superior fantasy of the highest order
This is a wonderful series, confidently told and heading (hopefully) towards a clear conclusion. (I feel a bit sorry for authors like Lee Child, who are pressured - or maybe not - to come up with a better story every time, with no end in sight) Complex and wonderful.
This is a wonderful series, confidently told and heading (hopefully) towards a clear conclusion. (I feel a bit sorry for authors like Lee Child, who are pressured - or maybe not - to come up with a better story every time, with no end in sight) Complex and wonderful.
July 25, 2020
Do Not Try To Read As A Stand Alone
The King’s Watch series would be near incomprehensible out of sequence. I have just finished reading it in order and look forward to the next book. The protagonist is engaging and some of the supporting characters are genuinely endearing. For people who like action, there is plenty of it.
The King’s Watch series would be near incomprehensible out of sequence. I have just finished reading it in order and look forward to the next book. The protagonist is engaging and some of the supporting characters are genuinely endearing. For people who like action, there is plenty of it.
September 20, 2020
Team Conrad grows bigger still
Yet again Conrad and Mina find themselves in unexpectedly dangerous situations.
We meet more dwarfs and Fae and see the political machinations of the different parties and by the end Conrad has more allies and a fresh job title to get used to.
More adventures to follow I hope ...
Yet again Conrad and Mina find themselves in unexpectedly dangerous situations.
We meet more dwarfs and Fae and see the political machinations of the different parties and by the end Conrad has more allies and a fresh job title to get used to.
More adventures to follow I hope ...
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